Mark Coleman discusses possible rematch with Mauricio "Shogun" Rua

Mark Coleman discusses possible rematch with Mauricio "Shogun" Rua

http://mmajunkie.comMMA legend Mark Coleman (15-8 MMA, 6-3 UFC) has been pursuing a comeback in the organization that made him famous ever since he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame at UFC 82 in March.

While Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (16-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC) has made recent headlines by declaring his interest in a second match with “The Hammer,” Coleman told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) he “wasn’t aware of any of these rumors.”

Rua went on to claim Coleman has avoided the rematch several times since the original 2006 bout held at PRIDE 31. In that fight, a takedown by Coleman and the resulting fall caused Rua to break his arm, ending the bout in just 49 seconds.

“I hope this time he doesn’t run from me,” Rua said. “He said no to me a couple of times, but I believe now it will happen.”

Coleman said the claims are baseless.

“I really haven’t put much thought to Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua lately,” Coleman said. “I have no clue what he’s talking about claiming I ducked him. If he really needs to stir something up, I really don’t give a [expletive]. He can stir something up.”

Coleman also said that he never requested a bout with Rua in November, as choosing opponents was the promoter’s job, not his.

“I’ve never picked my opponents since the beginning,” Coleman said. “I don’t go around picking my opponents. I let the promoter do that. Whoever the promoter picks, that’s obviously who the fans want to see.”

With the fans in mind, Coleman said he would be happy to face the Brazilian if UFC matchmaker Joe Silva deems it necessary.

“If [a fight with Rua] is something that interests the fans, if that’s something that the UFC wants to make happen, I don’t go around turning down fights,” Coleman said. “‘Shogun’ is fine.”

Coleman was originally slated to face Brock Lesnar next month at UFC 87, but his comeback was delayed due to a knee injury. He said the knee is now “close to 100 percent” and that he’s anxious to return before year’s end.

While open to the bout with Rua, Coleman doesn’t feel it’s a priority and instead has bigger fish to fry.

“As far as ‘Shogun’ being on the top of my list, he’s not,” Coleman said. “I have no reason to want to fight his ass. I already fought him and beat him. … As far as him indicating the fact that I’ve ducked him, that’s wishful thinking on his part.”

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